Malvern Hills end to end walk - 10.5 Miles for Smiles

Location: On Malvern Hills, start at North Quarry Car Park walk over 15 peaks take the final push up to Chase End Hill

Event date: Saturday 29th August

On the Saturday of August bank holiday 2018, our son Zac, left the house in the morning and went up on the Malvern Hills where he ended his life.  This August will be 8 years since we had that dreadful knock on the door, the pain and grief haven’t diminished.  Zac was a caring loving person, but he had his own demons to battle with and tried to hide them behind his well-used mask. He had a strong sense of social justice, trying to do the ‘right thing’ and choosing to put others’ needs before his own.

After he died, we set up a charity Behind the Smile to reach out and support people like Zac who needed support but couldn’t find or access what they needed to help with their mental health. Those bereaved by suicide are around 4% more likely to attempt suicide compared to other types of loss. Our own grief journey made us aware of a lack of support for those bereaved or affected by suicide. So, we do what we can to also support those people.

This year, we’re taking on the full Malvern Hills end to end walk, over 15 ridges; with breathtaking views and over 6000ft of elevation gain. — a demanding but deeply meaningful challenge — in memory of Zac Pritchard. Zac’s life and spirit inspired the creation of Behind The Smile, a suicide prevention charity dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.
By undertaking this tough 10.5-mile route, we’re walking not only for fitness and adventure, but also to honour Zac’s memory and help ensure that others find the support they need before it’s too late. Every step is for those we’ve lost and those still fighting.
We’re inviting friends, families, and supporters to join us — whether by taking part in the walk or by donating to Behind The Smile — to make a real difference in supporting people's mental health, those bereaved and affected by suicide, with the aim in preventing suicide.

About the Challenge
This full-day trek follows the entire Malvern Hills ridge from north to south, covering 15 peaks and a continuous pattern of climbs and descents. It’s physically demanding but achievable for fit walkers, offering sweeping views over Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire at every summit.
Highlights:

• Duration: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous — steady climbs and rugged terrain
• Terrain: Ancient ridgelines, Bronze and Iron Age forts, and breathtaking panoramas

Route Overview

• Start: North Quarry Car Park — climb steadily to End Hill and North Hill, continue to complete the 15 peaks as we cross Raggedstone Hill and take the final push-up to Chase End Hill, completing the full length of the ridge.
• We will be supported by fully qualified mountain leaders and a mini bus will follow us along the route, in case of injury or if anyone wants to stop part way, the bus will take us all back to the start to pick up our vehicles for the home journey.

What's Included

• Return transport
• Qualified, insured mountain guides
• Pre-trip support, training plans, and fundraising tips
• Photos included
• T-shirt included
• Medal at the finish

What You'll Need (depending on weather)

• Walking boots with ankle support
• Waterproof jacket & trousers
• Backpack (20-40L) & water container (1-2L)
• Food & hill snacks
• Gloves, hat, head torch.

Join Us
This walk is as much about heart as it is about endurance.
Together, with Behind The Smile, we aim to raise awareness, open conversations, and support people before it’s too late.
Walk with us. Donate with us. Help us make a difference — in memory of Zac, and for the lives we can save.